Canada, Mexico qualify to Round of 16 in U-20 Women’s World Cup

MIAMI – Canada and Mexico secured their place in the Round of 16 as the conclusion of the group stage began in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 on Friday.

Action in Groups A and B came to a close with matches in the cities of Bogotá and Medellín. Mexico finished second in Group A to advance to the knockout stage, while Canada finished third in Group B and will also move on to the next round as one of the best third-place teams.

Mexico qualifies as second place in Group A

Mexico lost 1-nil to hosts Colombia in front of 31,114 fans at Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín, Colombia. Despite the defeat, a second-place finish in Group A qualified the Concacaf nation for the Round of 16.

Mexico had an early attempt on goal through Giselle Espinoza in the 10’, but the attempt went over the crossbar.

Paola Garcia followed with an effort of her own through a header in the 13’.

Colombia got the advantage in the 38’ off a corner kick, with Mary Espitaleta taking to the air and finishing the play with a header into the back of Renata Cota’s net.

The hosts had the opportunity to double their lead in the 51’ through a penalty kick but Linda Caicedo missed the attempt, sending the ball to the outside of the right post.

Alice Soto attempted to equalize in the 53’, but was denied by the crossbar.

The result marks Mexico's first defeat after the nation began the tournament with a draw and a victory. A second-place finish pits Mexico against the second-place team from Group C on September 11 in the Round of 16.

Canada qualifies as third place in Group B

Canada fell 2-nil to Brazil at Estadio Nemesio Camacho 'El Campin' in Bogotá, Colombia. The result places the nation in third place in Group B with four points, enough for the country to advance out of the group stage as one of the four best third-place teams.

The Canucks created chances as they sought to take the lead, with captain Amanda Allen sending a long attempt in the 29’ that ended over the crossbar.

Olivia Smith made herself present in the 33’, trying a left-foot shot in the upper zone of the box, but the Brazilian defense cleared her attempt to keep things scoreless.

Vendito placed Brazil in the lead in the 34’ with a one-touch shot into the back of the net.

Carol extended the lead in the 90’+9 with one of the longest shots of the tournament to seal the victory for the South Americans.

After a draw and win to start its campaign, Canada advanced to the next round despite the defeat. The nation awaits the conclusion of the group stage to learn its placement in the knockout bracket.